What makes homo sapiens "human"?

Point of View and Perspective.Odds are there are a bunch of Chimps, Elephants and Whales holding similar discussions.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Check the refernces to Koko and Waterbird. In addition, Koko taught her children signing from birth.When we get into the area of languages we need to look at it as a comparison to teaching someone a new, very complex talent when we cannot use the basic language skills as a tool.However there are some very clear examples that wild chimps use planning, spatial awareness, time sense and communication during a hunt.The pick a target prey. They divide into sub-groups and each group assumes a different task and role. They wait while that catchers circle arouond the prey and get into position. The drivers then begin to herd the prey towards the catchers.This is done in a three dimensional space over a relatively large area with parties being out of direct contact, over an extended period of time, in a situation that is fluid and constantly changing and acting independantly to achieve a team goal.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

But we don't know that since we cannot yet decipher their language.For all we know they may say something like, "You guys wait near the tree that looks like a pink pelican and we'll drive these sons-of-a-bitches straight to you fastern' a greezed pig. Then you guys jump on them like white on rice."

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

Which appears to have been observed in many mammals, particularly in Elephants.

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion

That seems to confirm many field observations. One thing often noted is that the act of sharing is far lower during foraging than when during a cooperative venture such as hunting.It would be interesting to find some references that might detail such behavior. Do you know of any specific ones?

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Aslan is not a Tame Lion